A Step into Spotlight

The sharp scent of freshly polished floors and the soft hum of conversation filled the large audition hall. Li Xia strode in with effortless confidence, her heels clicking against the pristine tile, her every movement exuding the kind of presence that demanded attention.

Behind her, Li Jun followed, his steps far less certain.

"I still don't know why you insisted on coming," Li Xia muttered under her breath, adjusting the collar of her blouse as she scanned the room.

Li Jun gave a lazy shrug, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Just making sure my dear cousin doesn't get scammed by some shady 'director' promising stardom."

Li Xia shot him a look, but before she could retort, a production assistant approached, clipboard in hand. "Li Xia?"

"That's me," she answered smoothly.

"Director Song will see you shortly. Please wait over there." The assistant gestured toward a row of seats near the front.

Li Xia nodded and turned to Li Jun. "Stay out of the way, will you?"

He smirked. "No promises."

The two sat, and Li Xia took a slow breath, steadying herself. This wasn't just any audition. Director Song was known for his keen eye and unorthodox casting methods. He wasn't after big names—he wanted potential, raw and unshaped.

Li Xia had worked too hard to let this slip through her fingers.

The minutes stretched on, the anticipation thick in the air. Across the room, she could hear snippets of other auditions—voices trembling with nervous energy, directors murmuring in quiet discussion.

Then, finally—

"Li Xia, you're up."

She stood, smoothing her outfit with a practiced motion, then walked forward. The audition room was stark, the overhead lights casting sharp contrasts against the dark walls.

Director Song sat behind a long table, flanked by a few members of his team. He looked up as she entered, his gaze sharp and assessing.

"You've read the character breakdown?" he asked.

"Yes," she answered confidently.

"Good." He leaned back, crossing his arms. "Show me what you've got."

Li Xia inhaled slowly. Then, she stepped into the role.

The room faded. The nerves disappeared. She wasn't Li Xia anymore. She was her character—wounded but fierce, standing in the face of uncertainty.

By the time she finished, the room was silent. Director Song's expression was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes—a flicker of intrigue.

Finally, he spoke. "You have potential."

Li Xia's pulse quickened.

"Welcome to the cast."

For a moment, she stood frozen. Then, a slow, victorious smile curved her lips.

Li Jun, leaning against the doorway, smirked. "Guess I won't have to worry about you getting scammed after all."

Li Xia shot him a glare, but for once, she didn't have a sharp remark.

She sighed heavily. Finally!! She had done it something which she have believed in all along.